Apparatus for displaying an advertisement in a security x-ray bin

ABSTRACT

A luggage bin used at airport security checkpoints for displaying an advertisement or message includes a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. The bottom walls and the plurality of side walls form a portable container space. The apparatus further includes a surface upon which an advertisement or message is placed. The surface is attached to the bottom wall. The surface can be attached to the bottom wall by adhesive, a container, or a plastic sleeve.

This application claims the benefit of the filing date under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of Provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/656,613, filed on Feb. 25, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to X-ray bins, and more specifically, to an apparatus for displaying an advertisement in an airport x-ray bin.

BACKGROUND

The security of airline terminals is an issue of increasing importance. One method of increasing security is to have airport personnel screen travelers entering the airport terminal. During the screening, the travelers pass through a magnetometer, commonly known as a metal detector. Security personnel simultaneously screen the carry-on possessions of the travelers utilizing an x-ray machine. To speed up the scanning process, a conveyer belt is used in tandem with the x-ray machine. Plastic bins are typically used to contain the possessions of the travelers while the conveyer belt carries the possessions through the x-ray machine. The bins provide protection and containment of the possessions. The bins are typically utilitarian, having little to no decorative features.

The screening process takes several minutes for each traveler. The traveler removes objects in his or her pockets. The traveler then places all carry-on items into the bin, and place the bin on the conveyer belt. The conveyer belt then carries the bin into the x-ray machine, when the contents of the bin are scanned. At the same time, the traveler walks through the magnetometer. Assuming that no metal is detected, and no suspicious materials are observed by the x-ray operator, the traveler collects the possessions from the bin. At this point, the traveler is free to proceed to the gate for departure.

This process is sufficiently slow that lines of travelers form while awaiting screening. The travelers typically wait in line for several minutes with little to view during their wait. A productive use of the time the travelers spend waiting and being screened has not been realized.

The bins are typically constructed of hard plastic. While the bins contain the possessions and protect the possessions from the conveyer belt and x-ray machine, the bins do not prevent the contents from being damaged when a traveler places the possessions into the bin or when the possessions rattle against the bin during use. Therefore, an apparatus to protect the possessions when they are being placed into the bin, and while they are in the bin is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention is defined by the following claims. The description summarized some aspects of the presently preferred embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for displaying an advertisement or message is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substantially flat bottom wall and at least one side wall attached to the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the at least one side wall defines a portable container space. The apparatus also includes a surface layer for an advertisement or message. The surface layer is mounted atop said bottom wall within said container space by various structures.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for displaying an advertisement or message includes an airport x-ray bin having a bottom wall, a mat attached to said bottom wall by an adhesive, and an imageable layer operatively mounted on said mat.

In a third embodiment, an apparatus for displaying an advertisement or message includes a portable bin having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls, a means for displaying an advertisement or message within said bin, and a means for operatively attaching said means for displaying an advertisement or message to at least one of said walls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an airport x-ray bin;

FIG. 2 is an end view of the airport x-ray bin of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of perspective view of one embodiment of a padded mat;

FIG. 4B is a side cross-sectional view of an airport x ray bin containing the padded mat of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a self-adhering plastic film;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a container for holding an advertisement or message in an airport;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a container for holding an advertisement or message in an airport;

FIG. 8 is a partial side cutaway view of an embodiment of a tab utilized in the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of a container for holding an advertisement or message in an airport; and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plastic sleeve for holding an advertisement or message in an airport.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The presently preferred embodiment provides a new advertising space at airports and other locations utilizing security x-ray machines. The space is located within new or existing security x-ray bins. An advertising surface layer is interchangeably affixed to the bins. The advertising is viewed by numerous viewers during a typical day by making use of a utilitarian space that is present in a high traffic area and is presently not used.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a security x-ray bin 10, as known in the art. The bin 10 has two side walls 12 and two end walls 14. The bin 10 also contains a bottom wall 16. On the top of the sidewalls 12 and the end walls 14 is a lip 18. The lip 18 extends outward from the periphery of the side walls 12 and end walls 14. Typically, the lip 18 curves outwardly from the side walls and end walls, and bends in a downward direction. Preferably, two handles 20 are centrally located on the lip 18 above the end walls 14. The side walls 12 and end walls 14 presently are innerly angled from the lip 18 to the bottom wall 16. The inner surfaces of the side walls 12, the inner surfaces of the end walls 14, and upper surface of the bottom wall 16 form a container space 22.

Preferably, the bin 10 is open and lidless The bin 10 has interior dimensions that allow laptop computers, of any size, to lay flat on the bottom. The bin 10 is preferably made of a thick plastic. A thick plastic bin 10 provides a lightweight yet durable container. Furthermore, the bin 10 is preferably a shape that allows multiple bins 10 to be nestable. More specifically, the inwardly angled side walls 12 and end walls 14 allow one bin 10 to fit into another bin 10. As is well known to travelers, some bins are sufficiently large so that a suitcase or all manner of carry-on luggage containers will fit into the bin.

In the preferred embodiment, an apparatus displays an advertisement or message 24 within a bin 10, as shown in FIG. 3. Preferably, the advertisement or message 24 is on a thin surface layer that is located proximate to the bottom wall 16 of the bin 10. By locating the thin surface layer proximate to the bottom wall 16, the advertisement or message 24 is readily viewable by a traveler when he or she is placing items into or removing items from the bin 10. Furthermore, the thin surface layer does not compromise the volume of the container space 22. Finally, locating the thin surface layer proximate to the bottom wall 16 allows the bin 10 to be stacked with other bins 10.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the advertisement or message 24 is preferably located on a padded mat 26. In this embodiment, the padded mat 26 is composed of two layers 28, 30. The first layer 28 is preferably a scratch-resistant, imageable surface material, such as paper, cloth, plastic or rubber. The second layer 30 is preferably a rubber base of approximately 1/16″ to ¼″ thickness. However, the second layer can be made of any durable padding material. The second layer 30 provides protection for the contents of the x-ray security bin, when the contents are placed in the bin, and while the bin is traveling through the x-ray machine. The first layer 28 is mounted on the second layer 30 by any of the many methods known in the art. In the present embodiment, the first layer 28 is attached to the second layer 30 by an adhesive located between the first layer 28 and second layer 30. The padded mat 26 is then mounted onto the bottom wall 16. The padded mat 26 is preferably semi-permanently affixed to the bottom wall 16 by an adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners (such as those available under the trade name Velcro®), or other method known in the art that allows the padded mat 26 to remain securely in place during day-to-day use, but allows the mat to be removed or replaced on a regular basis. In alternate embodiments, the padded mat 26 also covers the side walls 12 and end walls 14.

Preferably, the first layer 28 serves as the surface for the advertisement or message 24. The advertisement or message 24 can be placed on the first layer 28 by any method known in the art, such as printing, silk-screening, painting, or other known methods.

As shown in FIG. 5, in an alternate embodiment, a plastic film 32 serves as the surface for the advertisement or message 24. The plastic film 32 can then be directly attached to the bottom wall 16, end walls 14, or side walls 12. The plastic film 32 can also be attached to the exterior of the bin 10. In the present embodiment, the film 32 is self adhering, such as by semi-permanent adhesive, static electricity, or other methods known in the art. Conversely, the plastic film 32 can be semi-rigid, and attached to the bottom wall 16 by plastic screws, clips, or other attaching methods known in the art. The advertisement or message 24 is preferably printed on the plastic film 32. However, the advertisement or message 24 can be placed on the film 32 by other methods known in the art.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a thin plastic container 34 is affixed to the bottom wall 16 of the bin 10. In the present embodiment, the thin plastic container 34 consists of a base 36 and a cover 38. In this embodiment, the base 36 is permanently mounted to the bottom wall 16. The dimensions of the base 36 are presently slightly smaller than the dimensions of the bottom wall 16. Preferably, the base 36 is molded into the bin 10. The base 36 resembles a flat, tray-like surface. The base 36 contains four slots 40 located on the periphery of the base 36. The slots 42 traverse the base 36.

In an alternate embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the base 36 is formed separately from the bottom wall 16. In this embodiment, the base 36 can be of a different material than the bin 10, but the preferred material remains a durable plastic. In this embodiment, the base 36 is affixed to the bottom wall 16. The base 36 can have tabs 37 containing a cam surface 39 on the exterior of the tab 37. The cam surface 39 terminates at a shoulder 41 projection from the exterior or the tab 37. The bottom wall 16 can contain slots 43 that correspond to the location of the tabs 37. The base 36 can be installed into the bottom wall 16 by inserting the tabs 37 into the slots 43 so that the shoulder 41 engages the slot 43.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cover 38 is generally flat. Preferably, the cover 38 is composed of a transparent, durable plastic. As shown in FIG. 8, the cover 38 contains snap-fit tabs 42 that correspond with the slots 40. Each of the tabs 42 is formed with a cam surface 44 on the exterior surface of the tab 40. The cam surface terminates at a shoulder projection 46 from the exterior surface of the tab 40.

In this embodiment, a heavy gauge paper stock 48 or other portable, flat, printable surface serves as the surface for the advertisement or message 24. The heavy gauge paper stock 48 is located between the base 36 and the cover 38.

To insert the advertisement or message 24 into the bin 10, the heavy gauge paper stock 48 is placed into the base 36. The cover 38 is then mounted to the base 36 by inserting the tabs 42 into the slots 40. When pressure is applied to the cover 38, the cam surface 44 bends inward until the entire tab 42 is in the slot 40. At this point, the shoulder projection 46 engages the lower edge of the slot 40. Thereby affixing the cover 38 to the base. To remove or replace the advertisement or message 24, the cover 38 must be removed. To remove the cover 38, the side walls 12 are pressed inward, thereby forcing the tabs 42 inward. When the tabs 42 move sufficiently inward, the shoulder projections 46 disengage the bottom edges of the slots 40. This movement allows the tabs 42 to travel through the slots 40, and the cover 38 to be removed.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the base 36 contains a peripheral edge 50. In this embodiment, the cover 38 contains a peripheral flange 52. When the heavy gauge paper stock 48 is placed in the base, the cover 38 is placed on the base 36. When downward pressure is exerted upon the cover 38, the peripheral flange 52 of the cover 38 frictionally engages the peripheral edge 50 of the base 36, and the cover 38 is secured to the base 36. Preferably, to remove or replace the advertisement or message 24, the cover 38 must be removed. To remove the cover 38, an upward force is applied to the cover 38, thereby disengaging the cover 38 from the base 36.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the heavy gauge paper stock 48 is secured to the bottom wall 16 by a transparent plastic sleeve 54. Preferably, the plastic sleeve 54 can be either stiff or flexible, and must be of a durable nature. In the present embodiment, the sleeve 54 contains two closed sides 56, a closed end 58, and an open end 60. The closed sides are sealed by adhesive, heat sealing, or other methods known in the art.

Presently, the sleeve 54 is affixed to the bottom wall 16 by an adhesive. In one embodiment, the sleeve 54 is affixed to the bottom wall 16 at only the closed end 58, allowing the open end 60 to bend in an upward direction.

In an alternate embodiment, the sleeve 54 is rigid and can be secured at the closed end 58 by brackets 62, thereby allowing the sleeve 54 to pivot. Preferably, tabs, similar to those disclosed in FIG. 8, are attached to the sleeve 54 proximate to the open end 60. In this embodiment, slots are present in the bottom wall 16. Preferably, the tabs and slots secure the open end 60 of the sleeve 54 to the bottom wall 16.

In these embodiments, the open end is either bent or pivoted upward, and the heavy gauge paper stock 48 is inserted into the open end, with the message or advertisement 24 facing upward. The open end 60 is then returned to its original position, and the bin 10 is ready to use.

In another embodiment, the sleeve 54 is secured to the bottom wall 16 at both the closed end 58 and the open end 60 by a semi-permanent adhesive. In this embodiment, the sleeve 54 is detached from the bottom wall 16 of the bin 10. The heavy gauge paper stock 48 is inserted into the open end 60 of the sleeve. The sleeve 54 is then attached to the bottom wall 16 of the bin 10 with the adhesive.

Generally, the material used in the discussed embodiments must not interfere with the functionality of the X-ray machine. More specifically, the preferred materials utilized in the bins must have a negligible signature in an x-ray image. As discussed in the previous paragraphs, a preferred material is plastic.

Furthermore, existing security x-ray bins can be retrofitted with an apparatus to display advertisements and messages. For examples, existing bins can utilize embodiments utilizing adhesives with no modifications to the bin. Existing bins can also utilize embodiments that attach to the bin by tabs by creating slots in the bin. The slots can be created by drilling or cutting holes into the bottom wall of the bin. Similar, holes may be added to the existing bins to utilize embodiments that are attached by plastic screws or clips.

It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention. 

1. An apparatus for displaying an advertisement or message, the apparatus comprising: a substantially flat bottom wall; at least one side wall attached to said bottom wall, said bottom wall and said at least one side wall defining a portable container space; and a surface layer for an advertisement or message, said surface layer mounted atop said bottom wall within said container space.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one side wall comprises a plurality of side walls.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said surface layer is an imageable layer.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said imageable layer is mounted on a padded mat.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said padded mat is attached to said bottom wall by an adhesive.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said surface layer is a plastic film.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said plastic film is attached to the bottom wall by an adhesive.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said plastic film is attached to the bottom wall by an electrostatic force.
 9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said plastic film is further located on at least one side wall.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said surface layer comprises paper.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a base between the bottom wall and the surface layer; and a transparent cover atop the surface layer.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising: at least one tab extending from said cover; and at least one slot corresponding to said at least one tab, said slot located in said base, said bottom wall or said at least one side wall.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface layer is a transparent plastic sleeve suitable for containing an advertisement or a message.
 14. An apparatus for displaying an advertisement or message in an airport x-ray bin, the apparatus comprising: an airport x-ray bin having a bottom wall; a mat attached to said bottom wall; and an imageable layer operatively mounted on said mat.
 15. An apparatus for displaying an advertisement or message comprising: a portable bin having a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls; a means for displaying an advertisement or message within said bin; and a means for operatively attaching said means for displaying an advertisement or message to at least one of said walls.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said means for displaying an advertisement or message provides padding.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said means for displaying an advertisement or message is located with said means for operatively attaching said means for displaying an advertisement or message.
 18. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said means for operatively attaching said means for displaying an advertisement or message is an adhesive. 